KATHMANDU: The government has decided to bring about uniformity in ride-sharing services across all seven provinces of the country.
A recent meeting of transport ministers and secretaries from all seven province governments chaired by Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, took the decision.
More than a dozen ride-sharing service providers are currently in operation in the country. However, there is no uniformity in their services, facilities, fares and commissions. Moreover, ride-sharing services have not been properly regulated. Except for Gandaki and Koshi, other provinces have yet to grant legal recognition to ride-sharing. The remaining provinces are said to be in the process of drafting laws to regulate ride-sharing.
Realizing that different laws and regulations regarding ride-sharing operations across provinces were cause difficulties for users, the federal government is making necessary preparations to bring uniformity to the service across the country.
Except for Gandaki and Koshi, other provinces have yet to grant legal recognition to ride-sharing.
Gandaki Province has given legal recognition to ‘ride-sharing’ services by issuing the Vehicle and Transport Management Regulations, 2023. Transport entrepreneurs opposed the province government’s decision and even launched nationwide strike last year.
According to the regulations, ride-sharing operators must obtain permission from the provincial government by paying a permit fee of Rs 25,000 for using two-wheelers, Rs 50,000 for four-wheelers and Rs 70,000 for both. The Renewal fee has been fixed at 50% of the initial fee.
Similarly, Koshi Province legally recognized ride-sharing services by amending its Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2019, through an ordinance in May. The regulation, however, is yet to come into implementation.
As per the ordinance, companies must obtain separate permits for ride-sharing services using two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Additionally, operators must insure passengers and levy fares fixed by the government.
Pathao, InDrive, Sajilo, Yango and Taximandu, among others, are some of the popular ride-sharing service providers in the country.
